North Georgia Lord of the Rings Wedding // Linden & Pablo
Linden & Pablo live in Spain but came back to the US for their Lord of the Rings wedding in North Georgia mountains and honestly, it was such a perfect setting {and day}. Linden and Pablo met because of writing – and that love of words was definitely highlighted in their wedding day. As they got to know each other, they bonded because of a shared love of Lord of the Rings, so it only made sense to include those elements as much as possible into their wedding. I met Linden & Pablo because of another couple of mine – Colleen & Nick. I’m honored that Linden & Pablo asked me to be a part of their North Georgia Lord of the Rings wedding day.
Getting Ready
One of the COOLEST parts of their wedding was that Jens Hansen {the guy who made the rings for the Lord of the Rings movies} also made their wedding rings. Photographing them seriously felt like an honor. But the LOTR references didn’t end there. Linden wore a gorgeous gown for their ceremony, paired with a cape and hood – and elf ears – that she wore for the ceremony. Pablo had Aragorn’s crown and ring, too. Seriously, there wasn’t a detail they left out! Honestly, the couples clothing – and much of the guest clothing – fit the theme perfectly.
First Look in the Woods
What were you most anxious or nervous about regarding your wedding day and how did it turn out?
I was terribly anxious about my family coming together with Pablo’s. Our families are from different cultures and countries, so I worried there would be lots of things lost in translation or misunderstood from a cultural perspective. But everything went smoothly, and our families got along super well!
Lord of the Rings Inspired Wedding Ceremony
For their ceremony, we headed down the side of the hill their cabin was on. There was a perfect little valley to set up their ceremony site. Both Linden & Pablo had a side representing them for the ceremony – men for Pablo & elves for Linden. Each side walked in with while carrying their respective banners. They were married by a dear friend who acted as their Elrond and there were actually quite a few familiar faces in the wedding and guest list. Photographing this wedding was extra special because of that!
What did you love about your venue/wedding location?
We were surrounded by nature. Everywhere you looked was green, green, green!
North Georgia Wedding Portraits
After their ceremony, Linden & Pablo explored around the cabin with me. We started emulating some stills from the Lord of the Rings films as we captured their portraits. I’m still obsessed with the look of these images. Their cabin choice could not have been more perfect.
Any tips for future couples on how to prepare for their wedding photos?
Do some poses in the mirror or check out some cosplay posing guides. I’ve had practice posing from years of cosplaying, and I always think it helps.
What advice would you give to other couples planning their wedding?
Do what works best for YOU! If tradition doesn’t suit, change it something that works for you as a couple. We have a very non-traditional wedding, but afterwards, everyone expressed how original and beautiful it was.
Cabin Wedding Reception
Once their portraits were done, we hiked back up to the cabin for their reception. With this friend group, it all just felt like a long-awaited party. Everyone had a great time celebrating the newlyweds. Linden & Pablo cut their cake with a sword {an impromptu decision!}, which was a BLAST. They also had the most heartfelt speeches from loved ones – that’s what happens when you’re friends with a bunch of writers. The newlyweds and their guests partied like hobbits. It was a great time.
Most memorable moment from your wedding day?
There are so many moments that stand out to me on my wedding day, but if I had to pick just one, it would be cutting the cake with a sword. It was impromptu but quite fitting for us to just roll with the idea as soon as it was presented.
If you could do it all over, would you change anything?
I could quibble about the catering being a bit late, but no one seemed to mind except for me, so I suppose not! Everything else was PERFECT, and that’s what really matters.
Congratulations again, Linden & Pablo. Thank you for inviting me on this adventure with you both!
Raven is an Atlanta Wedding Photographer who captures real people on their totally unique and awesome wedding day, specializing in people who feel awkward in front of the camera. She travels throughout Georgia, including Athens, North Georgia, and beyond.
I felt like our day was unique and special and perfect for us. Never once did I feel like this was just another wedding for you.
Caroline & Conor
As people (and queer folks) who aren't immediately comfortable with posing/having our picture taken, getting to work with Raven was such a gift.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a wonderful person with an energy that made us feel relaxed and okay to be ourselves; catching all of the action without making you feel that a camera is following you around.
Sarah & Tristan
Raven is a great photographer, capturing my husband and I so effortlessly and catching epic candid moments of us and our guests.
Molly & Adam
These are SO FANTASTIC and exactly what we envisioned!!! Thank you for capturing us and our family and friends so well, we are eternally grateful!!!
I’m Raven Shutley — Atlanta wedding and elopement photographer obsessed with catching the “holy shit!” magic you’ll brag about for decades. 17+ years. 250+ love-soaked, champagne-soaked, sometimes-rain-soaked weddings. Zero boring ones.
The best days are full of “did that really happen?” moments and quiet ones alike: yelling vows over a waterfall, grandma losing her mind over your shoes, strangers cheering you on in the street. A dad-turned-unofficial paparazzi, a sibling choking up mid-speech, that deep breath the moment you realize you’re married.
The goal? A full story that’s wild, real, beautiful — so anyone looking at your photos feels like they were there.
Congratulations again, Linden & Pablo. Thank you for inviting me on this adventure with you both!
